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View Full Version : How to make your own 4" stainless steel snorkel



AB
3rd April 2011, 12:10 AM
This is an easy DIY job to make your own 4" stainless steel snorkel and all up should only cost about $200.

What you need...


2m of 4" stainless steel tube. (Steel companies, etc. I purchased mine from Austral Wright Metals in Epping, Victoria for $26 per lineal metre...Bargain!)
1.5m of 4" flexi wire wound pipe. Purple Pig stores
1 x 90 and 2 x 45 degree 4" rubber elbows.....Any truck parts shop.
7 hose clamps to suit 4" (101mm diameter)
30cm's of Rubber "U" extrusion to wrap around the cut....Clark Rubber stores.
Brackets to hold the 4" pipe to car and fixings....Your choice
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel22.jpg?t=1301752952

This is based on a 4.2D GQ Patrol so instructions may differ depending on your Patrol...

After removing the pre filter, cut out a square on the inner guard enough for the 4" pipe to go through. Approx 110mm should do it. It does not have to be perfect and being a tight spot I decided to just angle grind it...

Don't forget to prime and paint any raw steel too...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel1.jpg?t=1301749628

We now need to locate the centre of the hole to be cut on the outside guard. Use a punch or just anything sharp to punch the centre location from inside the engine bay. You don't need to punch it all the way through, just enough to locate the mark from the outer guard. The picture below is hard to see but you can just see a small punch mark to work off from the outside.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel2.jpg?t=1301749907

Time to mark out the circumferance of the rubber elbow that will go into the guard which can be tricky and you want to make sure It's correct...If unsure, start small and work your way out.

I found a PVC pipe with the same diameter and cut it on a 45 degree angle to almost sit exactly where the pipe will on the guard. On a GQ you are cutting it right on the bend so this was the best idea I found to get it spot on. Trace around the pipe using a whiteboard marker.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel3.jpg?t=1301750143

See how the circle is almost perfect and if you tried to hold the elbow on that spot you wouldn't get a perfect circle due to the wheel arch.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel4.jpg?t=1301750178

The 90 degree elbow that will sit in here will need to have an elongation in the hole to allow the inner radius of the 90 degree bend to sit inside too otherwise the snorkel wont sit close to the panel.

You need to measure the distance of the bend up until it runs straight again, see below...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel5.jpg?t=1301750278

When you have that measurement use the PVC stencil again but move it that distance to the right for your elongation of the 90 degree elbow...It sounds rough but it worked 100% on mine.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel6.jpg?t=1301750457

Here is the stencil drawn, ready to cut...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel7.jpg?t=1301750562

The fun part...lol...Cut the shape out!

I used a nibbler for this, it didnt give a perfect result but a lot safer then a hole saw or jigsaw in my opinion and after you put the trim on you can't even tell any rough corners, etc. I did file and grind some touch ups afterwards but didn't worry too much about having it perfect...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel8.jpg?t=1301750650

AB
3rd April 2011, 12:11 AM
Prime, KillRust and or paint the cut. put the trim around the cut and silicone the outer trim to ensure no water can get in.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel11.jpg?t=1301750823


Set the pipe and 90 degree up as shown below and cut the pipe down where you want to start heading up the A pillar. As below I marked out where we cut mine. It was a whisker left of the middle of the aerial or exactly between the "O" & "L" of the PATROL badge.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel13.jpg?t=1301750948

The fun part...Put it all together and duct tape it to your car to hold in place to hold it.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel14.jpg?t=1301751111

Now you need to brace it to your vehicle.

I ended up getting funky and used some brackets I had in the shed, rolled them to form around the snorkel using a treated pine post, hammer and vise grips and beat the hell out of it until it was shaped to how I wanted it.

Many people simply get a Z shape bracket and fix it at the top of the pillar only so this is entirely up to you...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel16.jpg?t=1301751310

Drill a hole and nutsert it...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel17.jpg?t=1301751346



Then apply some velcro padding so the bracket doesn't end up ripping your car apart and rusting your panels for years to come...

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel18.jpg?t=1301751472

Sprayed the brackets waited 10 years for it to dry being a sunny Melbourne day and here is the final result!!!

VERY COOL, VERY TOUGH AND VERY EASY!

If anyone needs help or any advice then just ask, happy to help!!!

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snorkel19.jpg?t=1301751568

nowoolies
3rd April 2011, 12:16 AM
excelent mate
but i noticed you started with a can of 4x and finnished off with airosol lmao

AB
3rd April 2011, 12:18 AM
excelent mate
but i noticed you started with a can of 4x and finnished off with airosol lmao

And guess what I didn't notice the difference in taste whatsover...lol

Clunk
3rd April 2011, 12:31 AM
that a grand grand job there mate, now can you come and do mine???? lol

AB
3rd April 2011, 12:34 AM
that a grand grand job there mate, now can you come and do mine???? lol

Plane ticket and free beer mate and I'm there!!!....lol

Clunk
3rd April 2011, 12:43 AM
Plane ticket and free beer mate and I'm there!!!....lol

how about 2 cartons of bourban and dry????? lol

nowoolies
3rd April 2011, 01:30 AM
how about 2 cartons of bourban and dry????? lol

strewth ........im on my way over now lmao

Maxhead
3rd April 2011, 06:15 AM
Looks A1 mate...well done!

Bigrig
3rd April 2011, 06:47 AM
Yeah, seriously mate - it looks a treat! I mean, I'm even hunting to find something to take the piss out of you over, but alas, it's a job well done and one that was worth doing!!

Dhuck
3rd April 2011, 08:20 AM
Well done buddy. A few beers and you can do just about anything you set your mind to, I say.

growler2058
3rd April 2011, 08:32 AM
Fine lookin snorkel ya got there mate. Loveday mudbath here you come

AB
3rd April 2011, 09:23 AM
Forgot to mention, make sure the hose clamps fixings are facing inwards to avoid injury.

I walked out this morning and saw birds trying to nest in the snorkel so I found an old rabbit trap and used the entrance to the trap to put inside the rubber elbow...Fits like a glove and works a treat!

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/snork22.jpg?t=1301788287

Also, there was a slight air leak from the hose clamping over the wire wound flexi pipe so I had to add a few extra hose clamps. Might be a bit over kill but better safe then sorry.

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k604/batty626/hoseclamps.jpg?t=1301788376

Also, I did weld a 4" pipe outlet from the original 75mm square pizza box outlet on the GQ to fit the flexi pipe over.

You could also keep the original 75mm aquare outlet configuration and tap the 4" flexi pipe over the original flexi pipe that comes off the pizza box somehow.

Sir Roofy
3rd April 2011, 11:16 AM
Pure magic mate,yep id like one of them,now for the test guess your up the bush now
hows the fuel economy &torque going to be now

AB
3rd April 2011, 11:48 AM
Pure magic mate,yep id like one of them,now for the test guess your up the bush now
hows the fuel economy &torque going to be now

I'll have to get back to you on that one mate...lol...I'll keep tabs on it from the next fill up and see how it goes.

NissanGQ4.2
3rd April 2011, 12:11 PM
Look good Andy

Also looks like hard work, I had 2 crack open a bottle just thinking about taking on a project like that myself.....

AB
3rd April 2011, 12:22 PM
Look good Andy

Also looks like hard work, I had 2 crack open a bottle just thinking about taking on a project like that myself.....

Yeah but It's fun!

Took 6 hours (3 hour spent bending brackets and waiting for paint to dry) and 8 cans....Not bad really!

I'm slightly concerned about water getting in at the top in heavy rain as the pre filter is now gone and there is no way to get the water out or to tell if water has come down the pipe.

I might conjoire something up one day...I'll take it for a test drive in pouring rain one day and see how it goes anyay.

It almost needs a little top cone cut on a 45 degree running horizontal or even a one way hinged flap to pull inwards when sucking and can never go outwards....thinking thinking thinking....lol

wildgu6
3rd April 2011, 07:30 PM
Good work buddy, Top job there Andy, Pays to guzzle ha.
Stainless; Lookin good. Hope its sealed up well, Trol doesnt need to guzzle too.
Great pics and info too mate. Well done!

AB
3rd April 2011, 07:35 PM
Cheers mate, It's an easy cruisy day job really...

Nutserts and torx bolts are the way to go I think to mount the snorkel.

If anyone doesn't know what nutserts are and want to know more then just ask.

Basically they are kind of like putting in a pop rivet but it has a thread to put a bolt in...Don't need to get underneath to put a nut on, etc....10 times easier!

You also don't need a special tool to install the nutsert. We eneded using a dome head bolt and nut to expand the nutsert (like a pop rivet)...If anyone wants to know more I can post up how to install a nutsert.

Finly Owner
3rd April 2011, 08:57 PM
Cheers mate, It's an easy cruisy day job really...

Nutserts and torx bolts are the way to go I think to mount the snorkel.

If anyone doesn't know what nutserts are and want to know more then just ask.

Basically they are kind of like putting in a pop rivet but it has a thread to put a bolt in...Don't need to get underneath to put a nut on, etc....10 times easier!

You also don't need a special tool to install the nutsert. We eneded using a dome head bolt and nut to expand the nutsert (like a pop rivet)...If anyone wants to know more I can post up how to install a nutsert.


Yes please AB, as I know of them and can't justify money for tool.

Timbo
4th April 2011, 08:53 AM
Snorkel looks better in person too guys.. great job AB.

Bigrig
4th April 2011, 10:21 AM
I would seriously consider ripping mine off for one like this - they look awesome!! Call it a 'boy thing' but something about stainless with a spattering of heavy duty rubber hydraulic hose that appeals to my "that's tough" factor!! lol

patch697
4th April 2011, 10:28 AM
Very impressed old mate & to think I was finding out how much to get one bent up?????....... Not any more.... your one will do just fine for mine.


Cheers.

AB
4th April 2011, 11:15 AM
Cheers folks...I have made a thread for anyone who wants to know how to install nutserts without buying the tooling...

See here -----> http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?3531-How-to-install-a-nutsert-without-using-the-tooling&p=60990#post60990

Bob
4th April 2011, 11:17 AM
Cheers folks...I have made a thread for anyone who wants to know how to install nutserts without buying the tooling...

See here -----> http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?3531-How-to-install-a-nutsert-without-using-the-tooling&p=60990#post60990

Can you make this Sticky so it does not sink into the bowels of the Forum

AB
4th April 2011, 01:07 PM
Can you make this Sticky so it does not sink into the bowels of the Forum

Stuck!!!!!

moo_r32
27th April 2011, 10:23 PM
great lookin snorkel man!!

Chris_MK85
28th April 2011, 07:28 PM
That looks awesome mate that will be going straight on mine once i have resprayed it cheers for all the info..

Hendo 70
28th April 2011, 10:30 PM
Very Nice job!!! I will definately be putting one on my GQ.
Thanks.

Snowy Mountains Mick
23rd September 2011, 11:37 PM
Cool Bananas! I have been wanting a snorkel for ages, but reluctant to pony up with hundreds of dollars! Time tp print out and go looking for the bits!

pirate
22nd October 2011, 05:34 PM
Excellent idea mate will have to make one myself i think!!

shaunh
28th October 2011, 11:42 PM
top job mate

Wine_maker
24th November 2011, 04:24 PM
Hi all.
Your post is very interesting. I'd like to fix the same kind of snorkel on my car (Nissan Safari Spirit 2, from Japan Y60, RD 28T). But i have 2 questions:
1. Why are you using the 4” tube? Can I use smaller and if I can how smaller can I use to prevent the oxygen shortage. (I live in central Asia and we have the right side road traffic but my car are right side drive, so big tube on the left frame of wing shield are quite uncomfortable ((( ).
2. Are you feeling any difference after fitting the snorkel on your air filter? (Our air is very dusty and filter are blocking by dust after 10 000 km in city traffic.)
Thanks.

AB
24th November 2011, 04:27 PM
Welcome to the forum.

I would not go any less then 3" tube.

You actually don't see the tube from inside the vehicle, it does not block windscreen as the tube follows the A pillar on your car.

You will suck in cleaner air then without a snorkel because the air is taken up higher rather then down low near your front wheels.

Wine_maker
24th November 2011, 05:07 PM
Thank you for answer.
And a few of new question:
The top of your snorkel have the 90 degree cut without overhang. So if car is stand under rain with wind doesn’t the water flow into snorkel?
Is the oil on the inner side of the air filter says about oxygen shortage?
Sorry for my English.

AB
24th November 2011, 06:02 PM
Thank you for answer.
And a few of new question:
The top of your snorkel have the 90 degree cut without overhang. So if car is stand under rain with wind doesn’t the water flow into snorkel?
Is the oil on the inner side of the air filter says about oxygen shortage?
Sorry for my English.

You only need a 30 degree bend for the top because the angle of the tube makes the 30 degree bend sit perfect at a 90 degree angle.

I have put a stocking over the hole and have not seen any water get in so far.


Is the oil on the inner side of the air filter says about oxygen shortage?


What does the above mean? I do not understand?

Wine_maker
24th November 2011, 06:55 PM
What does the above mean? I do not understand?

Last time when I changed air filter it was dusty and dry outside and wet by oil inside. May be my oil catch can are not working right?

YNOT
24th November 2011, 07:09 PM
Last time when I changed air filter it was dusty and dry outside and wet by oil inside. May be my oil catch can are not working right?

If you have a standard type air filter it is probably an oiled paper element, the oil helps trap the dust particles.
It is possible that the oil could be PCV oil vapour that has collected, have a look for the hose that runs from the rocker cover (or in your case the outlet of your catch can) to the air filter housing. Does the oil seem to be originating from that point?

Tony

Wine_maker
24th November 2011, 08:10 PM
I'm not sure my 14$ Korean filter has oiled paper element.
Anyway, thanks for advice, I will check the oil signs between filter and oil can outlet.

taslucas
27th November 2011, 03:14 PM
Hi AB, ive started sourcing some bits to make my own snorkel (well actually to copy yours completely lol). Im having trouble getting the rubber bends in black. I can only find pimped out blue ones from autobarn type shops that are more suited to intercoolers in fully sick subarus and they are priced accordingly! Where did you get your bends?
Ive also tried all the hose/rubber suppliers around here. Is there anywhere online you would suggest? Mines going to be 3 inch.

Sir Roofy
27th November 2011, 05:12 PM
its all there on the first page mate

dont forget the piccies tho with the build

AB
28th November 2011, 07:58 AM
I would try truck parts places mate....

taslucas
29th November 2011, 07:40 PM
its all there on the first page mate

dont forget the piccies tho with the build



I would try truck parts places mate....

Cheers for the reply guys. I tried truck places first. We dont have many shops around here lol.
Ill keep looking and keep you up to date. And yes.....Plenty of Pics :)

Sir Roofy
29th November 2011, 07:45 PM
cheers for the reply guys. I tried truck places first. We dont have many shops around here lol.
Ill keep looking and keep you up to date. And yes.....plenty of pics :)

might need to get on to kenworth at bayswater ??vic

AB
29th November 2011, 08:02 PM
might need to get on to kenworth at bayswater ??vic

For sure, there are loads of truck parts suppliers in Bayswater.

I can't remember which one I got mine from bu tI'm pretty sure it was this guy on Canterbury road.

http://www.yellowpages.com.au/vic/bayswater/fleet-parts-equip-pty-ltd-13163097-listing.html

taslucas
1st December 2011, 07:04 PM
yeah sweet, Ive managed to find some. $13 for the 90 degree and $27 for the 45 degree. They even have the ram-air snorkel top: $44.
Im still undecided on the top. I way prefer the look of yours AB but im still concerned about rain getting in. Hmmm. Food for thought.

AB
1st December 2011, 07:38 PM
yeah sweet, Ive managed to find some. $13 for the 90 degree and $27 for the 45 degree. They even have the ram-air snorkel top: $44.
Im still undecided on the top. I way prefer the look of yours AB but im still concerned about rain getting in. Hmmm. Food for thought.

Those prices are good mate.

yeah so was I. I must admit though after putting the stocking on and having the car parked on front down angles in heavy down pours I have never seen water get in.

The stocking creates a web like cover where drops just run off. You could also spray the stocking with something like a waterguard or something to reflect rather then soak...If that makes sense...lol

I'm home alone tonight so the beers are catching up with me...LMAO

fablab
9th January 2012, 11:22 PM
nice work ... I wish I had he guts to drill any holes on my baby :)

Bogus
11th January 2012, 09:53 AM
Nice Work..... I'm goin gout to the shed now and seeing what I need to start

rusty_nail
12th January 2012, 02:12 PM
great DIY mate.

tzsafari
16th February 2012, 10:21 PM
Wow! Have you tested it out?

AB
17th February 2012, 06:02 AM
Wow! Have you tested it out?

Plenty of testing mate and works a treat.

Lahej_sas
18th February 2012, 05:51 AM
Nice and easy to do thanx alot

Robo
3rd March 2012, 01:24 PM
The purpose built intake ram flow head should have a gaps where they clamp onto pipe.
this allows majority of water out.
as water hits the walls on entry, it runs down and finds it's way out these holes/slots.

idea, you could always add drain near elbow like the you removed on pre cleaner.

maybe a boat tube water pickup reversed on under side of pipe so it venturi draw water out.
I can picture this in my head and think it may look trick.
and you dont need to weld, pop rivet in place.
water proofing with self seal drain available also if you intend to submerge things.

Heeeeelp always thinking hurts.

Scotty1106
18th March 2012, 11:38 AM
What a great Idea.

ckhoile
24th April 2012, 11:32 AM
Great Diy thanks for the post

Cam

Rob Johnston
12th May 2012, 07:24 PM
Nice, Ilike it. Nothing like a bit of creativity

BossGQ
29th May 2012, 02:29 PM
Thanks for that AB, just finished my own, that trick with the PVC works a treat, on ya mate!

AB
29th May 2012, 02:49 PM
Thanks for that AB, just finished my own, that trick with the PVC works a treat, on ya mate!

Awesome mate, yeah the PVC was a good idea actually....Easy to get the hole correct on the angle....Might have to patent that one....lol

Antznz
5th June 2012, 10:13 PM
Apart from being able to ford deeper water if I put a snorkel on my stock standard TD42 (non turbo - auto) will there be any performance gain. I've heard of some people with teranos putting snorkels on them and they reckon they get a few more horses under the bonnet..thoughts?

growler2058
5th June 2012, 10:43 PM
Apart from being able to ford deeper water if I put a snorkel on my stock standard TD42 (non turbo - auto) will there be any performance gain. I've heard of some people with teranos putting snorkels on them and they reckon they get a few more horses under the bonnet..thoughts?

You can possibly get a ram-flo effect if the opening is facing forward, but with the stainless as described here i doubt you will get any extra performance. You will get "cleaner" and cooler air

Antznz
6th June 2012, 10:11 PM
Ok cheers, Not sure if I'm up to cutting holes in the side panels yet but I've seen the video of not what to do so that's a start

AB
7th June 2012, 06:05 AM
Ok cheers, Not sure if I'm up to cutting holes in the side panels yet but I've seen the video of not what to do so that's a start

If you can get your hands on a nibbler mate It's almost impossible to stuff it up...

http://newstyledirect.com.au/store/images/D/nibbler-pic2.jpg

taslucas
18th June 2012, 11:28 AM
Heres some pics of mine. I went 3" stainless. Thanks for the original post AB:)
More pics and some info on prices can be found in my members ride thread: http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?8643-Taslucas-s-TB42-Ti

AB
18th June 2012, 11:35 AM
Very nice mate, don't mind those clamps either!

taslucas
18th June 2012, 11:42 AM
yeah i had to utilise the brutal bolts that the previous owner had rammed through the panel and pillar! lol. Good having a bit of a gap between the snorkel and the panels as mud and rocks dont get heaped up there

num_301
6th July 2012, 10:36 AM
Hi AB, ive started sourcing some bits to make my own snorkel (well actually to copy yours completely lol). Im having trouble getting the rubber bends in black. I can only find pimped out blue ones from autobarn type shops that are more suited to intercoolers in fully sick subarus and they are priced accordingly! Where did you get your bends?
Ive also tried all the hose/rubber suppliers around here. Is there anywhere online you would suggest? Mines going to be 3 inch.

For others looking for silicone joins try ebay.
found quite a few black 4" silicone joins in all sorts of bends

eliurquhart
8th July 2012, 10:55 PM
I have two free weeks and I have found my new project!! Nice looks wicked

nickverms
10th July 2012, 10:32 AM
Great job! This is on my to do list!

rusty_nail
1st August 2012, 11:31 AM
Hi Ab,

have you found that the snorkel rubbed on your paint work? or did you put somthing between the snorkel and the car to prevent this happening? im currently in the process of installing one of these bad boys and just getting everything ready.

cheers

nic

taslucas
1st August 2012, 11:49 AM
Hi Ab,

have you found that the snorkel rubbed on your paint work? or did you put somthing between the snorkel and the car to prevent this happening? im currently in the process of installing one of these bad boys and just getting everything ready.

cheers

nic

Check out the second last pic on the first post:-)

Tap, crackle, pop

rusty_nail
1st August 2012, 12:21 PM
Check out the second last pic on the first post:-)

Tap, crackle, pop

yeah i understand that part(between the bracket and the body and bracket and snorker, but i actually referring to between the snorkel and the body itself. i love the brackets you use lucas, you dont know where to get somthing like that do you? or are they a custom home made job?

cheers

nic

taslucas
1st August 2012, 12:27 PM
Ahh, sorry I must have misinterpreted. The ones I used have "goldfire 76" stamped on them. (and a little picture of a flame). Goldfire is the brand I reckon and 76 is the size. They were stocked in two different places here (so they must be common), one place was nubco. Goodluck:-)

Tap, crackle, pop

taslucas
1st August 2012, 12:29 PM
I like that they keep the snorkel away from the body, to stop mud and rocks getting stuck in there and rubbing. Also, it's easier to clean(not that that happens much!)

Tap, crackle, pop

rusty_nail
1st August 2012, 12:36 PM
thanks mate that helps alot. i like the fact your brackets keep them off the body also. i dont want to go scratching up my new paint job lol.

Dave Holio
14th September 2012, 05:24 PM
good write up , going to give this a bash with in the next month :)

oxmann
24th November 2012, 03:36 AM
This is a excellent thread and i would love to put one of this on. I can do most of my own stuff on my wagon, but cutting into the guard gives me nightmares......something you don't what to cock up but I will slowly convince myself I can do it without a hiccup.......Question is : what do you guys use to cut the hole ?? a nibbler maybe or a drimal ??? can anyone put up a pic of what you use please and this will start the slow process of convincing myself that its no harder to do than pouring a cold one and drinking it in one tip................:1062:;)

AB
24th November 2012, 06:36 AM
Yes mate I used a nibbler as below.

Can't go wrong really, draw you circles and have the drill set on a low setting and go for it!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/11/109.jpg

oxmann
24th November 2012, 03:45 PM
Thanks AB.... but how the heck does that work....??? do you drill a hole big enough to accommodate the nibbler end that does the cutting ?? and then poke it though ?? starting from the centre and working out to your circle...would that be correct ?? which in itself it looks like a reasonably large hole is required.Is that nibbler power operated or air ?? sorry for all the Q marks but I need to get this in my head that its not hard to do..........now off to mull over this with a :beer: have one on me you deserve it...awesome site :bigthumbup:

BigRAWesty
24th November 2012, 04:26 PM
Thanks AB.... but how the heck does that work....??? do you drill a hole big enough to accommodate the nibbler end that does the cutting ?? and then poke it though ?? starting from the centre and working out to your circle...would that be correct ?? which in itself it looks like a reasonably large hole is required.Is that nibbler power operated or air ?? sorry for all the Q marks but I need to get this in my head that its not hard to do..........now off to mull over this with a :beer: have one on me you deserve it...awesome site :bigthumbup:

The nibbling tip is the left side tip. It's like a mini punch which nibbles at high speed via air, drill, whatever type you buy..
Drill a hole to start, I think you need 8mm hole to start.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

oxmann
24th November 2012, 04:32 PM
Thanks Kallen ......that's a nifty small looking unit that AB posted up, I have never seen anything that small over here (NZ) so that gives me a something to start looking for anyway.I prefer to have everything on the table before I start a project so will start with that and continue onward and upward...................

oxmann
24th November 2012, 05:37 PM
Hey Kallen found what I was looking for on Trade me here in NZ...didn't know they existed until I knew what I was looking for thanks to AB and yourself Kallen.. $42 just what I need to help kick start the project will get all the gear together before I even contemplate cutting the guard...really like the look off AB's project with his snorkel so will lean towards that design but with a couple of ideas of my own ...can't pinch all AB's idea that's his signature...but certainly a design to get ideas from...something different is always good.......

AB
25th November 2012, 07:27 AM
Just try it out on some tin or corrugated iron mate. Just drill a hole in the middle of the area and then cut the hole.

I just used a drill on a low setting to the speed of the nibble was slow, easy to do mate.

Here's a basic video below of one in action, see how slow it can go.....Can't stuff it up mate!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H-iTdYIuWE

oxmann
25th November 2012, 11:29 AM
Cheers AB......explains it all I seriously didn't even know small nibblers like that existed and when you start looking for one every bugger is selling them.... real handy to have in the garage...............:thumbup:

red_spider
20th December 2012, 10:44 AM
AB that looks awesome!
cant believe birds were trying to nest in it though!

AB
20th December 2012, 10:49 AM
Wildlife central out my way mate...I found a dead bell bird inside the chassis cross member the other day too....lol

Going to have to put a bloody bird net over my car each night...LMAO

Winnie
20th December 2012, 11:50 AM
My mate pulled a birds nest out of the plastic snorkel on his 60 a couple of weeks ago!

DIAL-A-TAP

bnicklin
29th January 2013, 08:26 PM
How much differance does a 4" snorkel make?

taslucas
29th January 2013, 09:08 PM
How much differance does a 4" snorkel make?

Compared with what mate?
A snorkel stops water getting in the air intake during water crossings. It also lets the engine draw air from up higher where it's cooler and cleaner. A 4" snorkel will have less resistance than a 2" one. I made a 3" the same as ABs after seeing this thread:-)

FanTapstic!

bnicklin
30th January 2013, 09:28 PM
Sorry, Compared to a standard nissan snorkel, I have a 4" stainless snorkel an airbox getting made up as we speak

BigRAWesty
30th January 2013, 09:37 PM
Sorry, Compared to a standard nissan snorkel, I have a 4" stainless snorkel an airbox getting made up as we speak

4" is way overkill for any motor we'll be bolting in.. but they look tough as on a q. A 3" looks a touch small imo

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

bnicklin
30th January 2013, 10:06 PM
Mmmmmmmm thought 4" was the go? And perfect size for the td42

BigRAWesty
30th January 2013, 10:07 PM
Way overkill. It's all looks.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

bnicklin
30th January 2013, 10:08 PM
Well guess i will find out once its installed!

brw1994
30th January 2013, 10:19 PM
Here's a tip, every snorkel I have installed ever (2) lol, I have grabbed some small diameter vinyl tubing spliced it and cut it to the diameter of the hole + 10mm extra, filled it with silicone and placed it in, wet my finger and run it around the outside. This gives one of the cleanest finishes to the hole at a very cheap price I think from memory it was 5mm or 6mm tubing

http://imageshack.us/a/img843/3631/img0982kq.jpg

Used it around the outside of a rabbit hutch door just recently too

taslucas
30th January 2013, 10:30 PM
I used a door seal off an old wrecked car for mine. (see a few.pages back on post #64

FanTapstic!

BigRAWesty
30th January 2013, 11:59 PM
Sheet edging rubber as another option, it has metal clips inside to grip the sheet metal, and looks neat in black.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

Robbomaz
4th February 2013, 06:31 PM
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/11/109.jpg

Falcon - awesome! And can do a good deal thicker than the manufacturer recommends too *cough*

AB
4th February 2013, 06:56 PM
Falcon - awesome! And can do a good deal thicker than the manufacturer recommends too *cough*

How thick have you cut with this?

eliurquhart
7th February 2013, 12:55 PM
In this picture its shows you've attached the flexi hose to the air box which has a square input if im not mistaken, well mine is square anyway. How did this seal if yours was also square? I am just acquiring the parts at the moment, I have the stainless which cost $100/2m in WA, its 1.6 wall 316 300brushed, its all I could get ahold of, pricy but looks good. I also found a 90 silicone elbow which reduces from 4" to 3 "on ebay and a 3'' air hose to attach to it which is extendable from 300mm-1000mm for $24 looks mint except it has a round metal attachment, just wondering how I would get around that, you reckon I could try and smash the pizza box round or do you have any other ideas? Bit of welding perhaps? been waiting a while to do it but should be mean once completed! Will send in some photos

AB
7th February 2013, 08:15 PM
Hi mate, this was a temporary thing for me as I knew I was adding turbo soon.

I just welded on a 4" pipe to the square inlet of the pizza box. Filled in the circular gaps to the square with some steel strips, welded and siliconed any pin holes as I am a hopeless welder....lol

Link here = http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?12130-air-intake-set-up&highlight=welded+pipe+pizza+box%26quot%3B

It worked really well actually and 100% knowing it was all sealed. I don't like the original square mount Nissan made anyway.

I was trying to find a 90 elbow 4" to 3"....Good score, wished I had of found that myself!!!!

NZY60PATROL
11th February 2013, 04:50 PM
this is awesome mate . now i just need to pick up my sacks and start cutting holes ..

AB
11th February 2013, 07:16 PM
this is awesome mate . now i just need to pick up my sacks and start cutting holes ..

Not hard to do mate, get your hands on a nibbler and you cannot go wrong with the cutting.

NZY60PATROL
12th February 2013, 07:14 AM
was thinking of just using the multi tool as i already have one and then just cleaning it up with a file after .

eliurquhart
23rd February 2013, 04:10 PM
Hey Ab, finally sourced all the parts and did my own snorkel, hard a few issues at the beginning in regards to the nutserts as I had never used them before. I have a few recommendations, If you use the one of the self made tools and use the washer method which I recommend make sure the washers are tight on the bolt as I found the loose ones made the rivets bend side ways as the pressure increased and also try them on a sheet if you've never used them before, before you drill holes in the side of your car and they're too big. I used M10 size and found if I used a 12mm hole which I belled out with the drill bit till the rivnut fit tight worked best and bites really easily. All in all a good learning curve, to cut the hole I used a pair of tin snips and drilled heaps for holes and it worked sweet as. really clean job. heres a few pics of my attempt. I had a 4" - 3" reducer at the inlet and found an extendable air hose of the net, both cost about $ 20 each. made the brackets like Ab and yea just give it a go. Heaps o fun and frustration but ultimately a good experience. :blowup:

koliilok
23rd February 2013, 04:28 PM
Is there any legal implications with cutting the inner guard? I always though you couldn't cut it, looks very good and something i hope to do in the future, providing it doesn't cause any problems with insurance etc.

eliurquhart
23rd February 2013, 05:02 PM
If you take off the pre filter there is already a hole there that is 3" diameter, so no need to worry about that, im pretty sure that that is the original application for it.

eliurquhart
23rd February 2013, 10:24 PM
cheers for all the good advice Ab, finally got it on check out the pics I posted below

AB
24th February 2013, 06:48 AM
Awesome mate looks good, yeah good point about the nutserts and tooling.....Job well done mate!!!

crouchy1989
3rd March 2013, 08:55 PM
verydetailed mate cheers going to use this to fix up my snorkels short comings

Bigkev531
4th May 2013, 10:15 PM
I did one today, I had an ex had hers pinched so I changed the way mine is bolted on by putting the bolts inside the pipe and the nut on the inside of the inner guard a lot more stuffing around and ya need to get some little alloy blocks cut but u can't see any bolts etc brings it up looking awsome and a lot harder to pinch as you need to put your arm down the pipe and have to pull bit by bit off

scott.a.green
15th August 2013, 08:22 PM
Ace job mate. Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

arbee
21st August 2013, 06:07 PM
good job, i might have a go

OlTroll
17th April 2014, 08:59 AM
I have bought a homemade 4" stainless for $40, stoked but need to know more about the square to round coupling as I totally need to get something, was thinking PVC fitting from a plumbing store and silicone up the wazoo, thoughts, pictures please guys.

mandrake
10th August 2014, 02:00 PM
Great work mate

phtest
15th September 2014, 11:26 AM
Looks Good, I think I will leave the cutting to someone else.. Whats the saying measure twice cut once, I always tend to get that backwards

gemoc1
16th September 2014, 07:22 PM
looks grouse mate! Top notch DIY job

AB
16th September 2014, 07:43 PM
My car looked so clean, respectable and pretty back then...sad panda!

Stropp
16th September 2014, 11:32 PM
Rough bugger ;)

Majestic
23rd October 2014, 03:50 PM
Great DIY, very informative and inspirational. I am still in the consideration phase whether to go DIY or pay for a snorkel to be fitted. I like the idea of the DIY, being a boilermaker by trade I always like to over engineer and stainless would hold out better than the plastic safari etc use. I used to build trains for a living so I have acquired some small stainless off cuts in my time which might be useful for this project if I take it up. I would hate to pay that much for a safari snorkel and have it damaged by a tree etc.

Bloodyaussie
27th August 2015, 04:39 PM
I am starting my snorkel build very soon but will have a 4" truck ram head and will be painting mine black.

Been collecting the bits I need and was waiting on an airbox from Colin before I began.

AB
27th August 2015, 05:15 PM
I am starting my snorkel build very soon but will have a 4" truck ram head and will be painting mine black. Been collecting the bits I need and was waiting on an airbox from Colin before I began. Are you mandrel bending it or running rubber elbows?

Winnie
27th August 2015, 05:21 PM
I am starting my snorkel build very soon but will have a 4" truck ram head and will be painting mine black.

Been collecting the bits I need and was waiting on an airbox from Colin before I began.
Show us the ram head you are buying? I've been thinking about changing to one to quiet if down when the passenger window is open

Bloodyaussie
27th August 2015, 05:23 PM
Show us the ram head you are buying? I've been thinking about changing to one to quiet if down when the passenger window is open

Its a donaldson ram head. The bend at the top will be tig welded..

Rossco
27th August 2015, 06:09 PM
Looking forward to seeing it. Sounds like it should come up well. Snorkel is on my long list of things. . .

Bloodyaussie
28th August 2015, 04:16 PM
Looking forward to seeing it. Sounds like it should come up well. Snorkel is on my long list of things. . .

Same here..... if only the pricks would deliver the parts... bloody hopeless.

mudski
28th August 2015, 06:03 PM
Same here..... if only the pricks would deliver the parts... bloody hopeless.

Meh! I did everything in my power to try to make it happen. Not my fault, or worry lol, that the supplier failed to deliver.:harhar: I'm gonna sleep in my car tonight.

Bloodyaussie
28th August 2015, 06:07 PM
Parts arrived.... I just scored a postie bike and have to pick it up so that might kill starting on this project.

mudski
28th August 2015, 06:13 PM
How in the fcuk you score a postie bike. I so want one of them. Put a fat wheel on the back and rake the forks and some big chopper handle bars. Hehe. So the parts turn up yeah. I have to ring them now if they did.

AB
28th August 2015, 06:14 PM
Parts arrived.... I just scored a postie bike and have to pick it up so that might kill starting on this project. Look forward to seeing the build mate.

Do you want to borrow my nibbler?

Ben-e-boy
28th August 2015, 06:14 PM
Parts arrived.... I just scored a postie bike and have to pick it up so that might kill starting on this project.

Graft an xr400 motor into it :D

AB
29th August 2015, 03:24 PM
Look forward to seeing the build mate. Do you want to borrow my nibbler? must be using my invisible ink again.

Bloodyaussie
29th August 2015, 03:52 PM
must be using my invisible ink again.

Wanker... flat out today.

No george has one.. wanted to start today but had tennis comps (erica won both games) then off too Cheltenham which was hell to pick up postie bike now off too ericas confirmation..

Might see ya tomorrow?

Travo
6th January 2016, 08:44 PM
I was going to buy a plastic one but I think these look way better.
Travo

AB
6th January 2016, 09:03 PM
The old naturally aspirated days, life was much easier and cheaper back then :(

Andyh
2nd September 2016, 12:58 PM
Hi Guys,

Just to revive this old but awesome thread, i have recently made one of these myself and used the info here as a guide, its awesome and i im really happy with my Snorkel. Anyway, i have enough Stainless left over to make another 2 snorkels so if anyone is keen i am selling the leftover stainless at $60 each, So that 2 meter length for $60 - Pick up Clyde North Vic 3978. Send me a PM if your keen. Cheers


SOLD.